Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD
Endurance sports dietitian; promotes food-first, evidence-based protein and fueling strategies.
Health Thrives on Nutrient Variety, Not Single Superfood
Nutrient-density is not a competition. There’s not a single “best nutrient” or most important nutrient. We need a combination of foods and a wide variety of nutrients for optimal health.
Recovery Nutrition: Fuel Your Body Like an Engine
Your recovery nutrition is equally as important as the workout itself. Imagine putting stress on an engine by revving and going very fast but never putting gas in the car or never changing the oil or avoiding putting air in...
Volume ≠ Calories: Prioritize Energy Over Food Quantity
Eating less may not always look like less. A change to your diet to include more nutrient-dense foods can sometimes result in eating more volume. This may make it seem like you’re eating more calories but that’s not always the...
Natural Carbs Beat Added Sugar for Endurance Fuel
Carbs from foods with added sugar and carbs from foods without added sugar are used in the same way in the body, but should we rely heavily on added sugar foods as fuel before endurance exercise? I say no and...
Protein Overload? Prioritize Fiber and Unsaturated Fats
I’ve ended up on the “why is there so much protein in everything?!” side of threads and I’m going to prentend that everyone is asking this question. Here’s the thing: protein is essential, but you’re likely getting closer to the optimal...
Weight Loss Needs Variety, Not Monotonous Meals
What you think: eating the same thing every day is good for me and helps me lose weight. What I, as a sports dietitian thinks: eating the same thing every day is not sustainable and this person needs to diversify the...
Balanced Nutrition: Plants, Fiber, Carbs, and Flexibility
Unpopular truths about nutrition: - You need plants in your diet and probably more servings than you think. - Fiber is good for your gut and heart health. It also plays a role in satiety. - Carbs aren’t the enemy. They’re...
Eat Before Exercise—Tailor Timing, Portion, and Carbs
Should you eat before a workout? Absolutely. But there are a few things to consider before you do: 1. When was your last meal? 2. Are you hungry? 3. How much time do you have before your workout? 4. Do you have quick-digesting carbs...
5 Red Flags Your Running Nutrition Is Failing
5 red flags your nutrition plan isn’t working if you’re a runner: 1. You go to bed hungry most days. 2. You’re sore for multiple days after a long run. 3. GI disruptions cut planned runs short. 4. You regularly hit the wall during...
Strict Diets Breed Guilt—Choose Flexibility over Perfection
It’s normal to have meals and full days of eating that aren’t “perfect.” 🚨The key is to make sure those moments don’t feel like you’re falling off the wagon. If the swing is so extreme that you have feelings of...
Fuel Recovery: 1‑2 Hours Post‑Run, 1‑1.2g/kg Carbs
If you’re training for a race or otherwise doing long distance endurance exercise, please do not dismiss how essential recovery fuel is for performance. On those long run or long distance days, prioritize your nutrition in the 1-2 hours after...
Treat Fruits and Veggies Like Protein for Recovery
Focus just as much on adding fruits and vegetables to your diet as you do on adding protein. If you’re like most Americans then you’re not getting enough. And if you need another reason, remember this: fruits and vegetables provide carbs...
Swap, Don't Eliminate: Choose Natural Over Added Sugar
Instead of eliminating foods (carbs, sugar, etc) try **swapping** foods. Here’s an example: sugar is found naturally in some foods and added to others. You don’t need to eliminate sugar. Instead, try swapping out the added sugar foods and swapping...
Coffee and Carbs Are All the Pre‑workout You Need
Coffee is a preworkout. Carbs are a preworkout. You don’t need a special preworkout supplement if you don’t want one.
Prioritize Whole‑Food Protein Over Powders and Snacks
Regular reminder from a sports dietitian that protein powder should not make up the majority of the protein in your diet. Whole food source of protein should be the primary source, not powders, bars or other foods with added protein...